KR20220093863A - water purifier - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to a water purifier discharging hot water and purified water. The water purifier includes: a housing forming a storage space; a filter installed in the housing, and purifying water supplied from an outside water supply source; a discharge nozzle installed outside the housing, and discharging water passing through the filter; a hot water module having a heating flow path which the purified water passing through the filter passes and is instantly heated through the heating flow path to discharge the hot water so that the purified water becomes hot water; a hot water flow path leading the hot water passing through the hot water module toward the discharge nozzle; and a control unit controlling an operation of the hot water module. The control unit turns off the hot water module when the water purifier discharges the purified water. The purified water discharged from the hot water module is discharged to the discharge nozzle by passing through the hot water flow path. Accordingly, the water purifier is capable of saving material costs required for installation of a purifying flow path and a purifying valve.

Description

water purifier {water purifier}

The present invention relates to a water purifier in which purified water is discharged through a hot water flow path.

In general, a water purifier is a device that filters and supplies raw water to a user, and is a device that allows the user to extract a desired amount of water at a desired temperature according to the user's operation.

In such a water purifier, when a user operates a lever or a button, filtered water may be taken out through a nozzle. In detail, the water purifier is configured such that the valve of the nozzle is opened and filtered water can be taken out while the user operates the lever or button, and the user can operate the lever or button while checking the amount of water filled in the cup or container. will end

Such a water purifier may be provided as a water purifier itself or may be mounted on a refrigerator or the like.

In Prior Document 1 (Korean Patent Publication No. 2019-0010596), a case having a storage space, a filter provided inside the case to purify water supplied from the water supply source, and the water supplied from the water supply source are A water supply passage for supplying to the filter, a water supply valve provided on the water supply passage to control the flow of water passing through the water supply passage, and a water outlet nozzle provided on the outside of the case and through which water passing through the filter is taken out and an outlet channel for supplying water that has passed through the filter to the outside of the case, a water outlet valve provided on the outlet channel to control the flow of water passing through the outlet channel, and an operation unit that receives a washing command from a user and a control unit controlling to intermittently open or close at least one of the water supply valve and the water outlet valve when a washing command is input to the operation unit.

In addition, Prior Document 2 (Korean Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2007-0083008) discloses a direct storage device employing an RO membrane module. The disclosed direct-type water purification apparatus includes a purified water storage tank in which purified water is temporarily stored, a first connection pipe providing a flow path to supply purified water flowing through a purified water discharge pipe to the purified water storage tank, and purified water stored in the purified water storage tank to flow into the RO membrane module A second connection pipe providing a flow path, a booster pump installed on the path of the raw water supply pipe to increase the supply pressure of raw water, and a faucet that detects when the faucet is locked, supplies purified water discharged through the purified water discharge pipe to the purified water storage tank and a controller for controlling to supply the stored purified water to the RO membrane module when a predetermined amount of purified water is stored in the purified water storage tank.

In the case of the conventional water purifier as described above, when the purified water is dispensed, after selecting the 'clean water' button and pressing the 'water out' button, the purified water valve is opened, purified water flows through the purified water passage, and purified water is discharged through the water outlet nozzle .

In addition, in the case of the conventional water purifier as described above, when hot water is dispensed, after selecting the 'hot water' button and pressing the 'dispensing water' button, the hot water valve is opened, the hot water heated in the hot water tank flows through the hot water flow path, and the water outlet nozzle Hot water is discharged through

That is, in the case of a conventional water purifier, a hot water passage and a purified water passage are formed separately, hot water is supplied to the water outlet nozzle through the hot water passage and the hot water valve, and purified water is supplied to the water outlet nozzle through the purified water passage and purified water valve.

Prior Literature 1. Korean Patent Publication No. 2019-0010596 (2019-01-28) Prior Document 2. Korean Patent Publication No. 2007-0083008 (2007-08-17)

The present invention provides a water purifier capable of reducing material costs due to the provision of a purified water flow path and a water purification valve by implementing a hot water flow path and a hot water flow path to discharge hot water and purified water without providing a separate purified water flow path and a water purification valve It is intended to

In addition, it is possible to eliminate the configuration of the purified water passage and the purified water valve, thereby increasing the space utilization within the water purifier and providing a water purifier capable of miniaturization of the water purifier.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a water purifier capable of increasing the outlet flow rate of purified water while satisfying the temperature condition of hot water by adjusting the opening degree of the flow control valve differently when hot water is dispensed and purified water is dispensed.

In addition, when purified water is dispensed after hot water is dispensed, the temperature of the dispensed purified water can be maintained in a satisfactory state by lowering the temperature of the water dispensed through the cold water so that the temperature of the dispensed purified water does not increase due to the residual hot water. Its purpose is to provide

In order to achieve the above object, the present invention provides a housing forming a storage space, a filter provided inside the housing to purify water supplied from an external water supply source, a filter provided outside the housing and passing through the filter A hot water module that instantaneously heats the purified water passing through the heating flow path into hot water when hot water is dispensed by forming a water outlet nozzle through which one water is taken out, a heating flow path through which the purified water passing through the filter passes, and hot water passing through the hot water module Provided is a water purifier comprising a hot water flow path guiding toward the water outlet nozzle and a controller for controlling the operation of the hot water module.

In addition, when purified water is dispensed, the control unit turns off the hot water module, and the purified water discharged from the hot water module is discharged to the water outlet nozzle through the hot water flow path.

In addition, a hot water valve for controlling the flow of water flowing through the hot water flow path is mounted on the hot water flow path, and when hot water is released and purified water is discharged, the controller provides a water purifier that opens the hot water valve.

In addition, when hot water is dispensed, the controller turns on the hot water module, and the hot water discharged from the hot water module provides a water purifier that is discharged to the water outlet nozzle through a hot water flow path.

In addition, there is provided a water purifier in which the filter and the hot water module are connected through an outlet flow path, and a flow rate control valve for controlling a flow rate of water flowing to the hot water module is installed in the outlet channel.

In addition, there is provided a water purifier in which a temperature sensor for detecting a temperature of water flowing toward the hot water module through the water outlet flow path is installed in the water outlet flow path.

In addition, there is provided a water purifier in which a feed valve for controlling the flow of purified water flowing through the water outlet passage after passing through the filter is installed in the water outlet passage.

In addition, there is provided a water purifier in which a flow sensor for detecting a flow rate of purified water flowing through the water outlet passage after passing through the filter is installed in the water outlet passage.

In addition, the flow control valve provides a water purifier in which an opening degree is controlled by the control unit, and the opening degree of the flow control valve is different when hot water is discharged, and an opening degree of the flow control valve when purified water is discharged.

In addition, when hot water is discharged, the opening degree of the flow control valve is adjusted to be smaller than the opening degree of the flow control valve when purified water is discharged.

In addition, when purified water is discharged, the opening degree of the flow control valve provides a water purifier whose opening is controlled to the maximum.

In addition, one side is branched from the water outlet flow path between the filter and the flow control valve and the other side is connected to the water outlet nozzle side, and the cold water is installed in the cold water flow path to cool the purified water passing through the cold water flow path with cold water. It provides a water purifier further comprising a module.

In addition, there is provided a water purifier in which a cold water valve for controlling the flow of water branched from the water outlet flow path and flowing to the cold water module is installed in the cold water flow path.

In addition, it provides a water purifier in which the cold water valve and the hot water valve are simultaneously opened when purified water is dispensed.

In addition, the control unit provides a water purifier that includes a timer, and blocks the cold water valve and opens the hot water valve when purified water is dispensed after a reference time has elapsed after hot water is dispensed.

In addition, the control unit provides a water purifier that includes a timer, and simultaneously opens the cold water valve and the hot water valve when hot water is dispensed, after the hot water is dispensed, before a reference time elapses, and when purified water is dispensed.

In addition, after hot water is dispensed, before the reference time has elapsed, when purified water is dispensed, the cold water valve and the hot water valve are opened simultaneously, the cold water valve is opened for a first time, and then closed, and the hot water valve is the first A water purifier that is open for a second time longer than the time is provided.

In addition, there is provided a water purifier that is discharged through the water outlet nozzle after the water discharged through the cold water passage and the hot water passage are merged.

The present invention has an advantage in that it is possible to reduce the material cost due to the provision of the purified water flow path and the purified water valve by realizing that hot water and purified water are discharged through the hot water flow path and the hot water flow path without providing a separate purified water flow path and a water purification valve. .

In addition, since the configuration of the purified water passage and the purified water valve can be eliminated, the space utilization inside the water purifier can be increased, and the water purifier can be miniaturized.

In addition, since the configuration of the purified water passage and the purified water valve can be deleted, there is an advantage in that the maintenance cost such as the periodically performed pipe replacement cost can be reduced.

In addition, there is an advantage in that the flow rate of purified water can be increased while satisfying the temperature condition of hot water by adjusting the opening degree of the flow control valve differently when hot water is dispensed and purified water is dispensed.

In addition, when purified water is dispensed after hot water is dispensed, the temperature of the dispensed purified water can be maintained in a satisfactory state by lowering the temperature of the water dispensed through the cold water so that the temperature of the dispensed purified water does not increase due to the residual hot water. have.

1 is a perspective view of a water purifier according to an embodiment of the present invention.
2 is an exploded perspective view of the water purifier.
3 is a perspective view of a water outlet module, which is a component of the present invention.
4 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a water purifier according to an embodiment of the present invention.
5 is a water pipe diagram of a water purifier according to an embodiment of the present invention.
6 to 7 are flowcharts illustrating a purified water extraction process in the water purifier according to the present invention.

Hereinafter, some embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to exemplary drawings. In adding reference numerals to the components of each drawing, it should be noted that the same components are given the same reference numerals as much as possible even though they are indicated on different drawings. In addition, in describing the embodiment of the present invention, if it is determined that a detailed description of a related known configuration or function interferes with the understanding of the embodiment of the present invention, the detailed description thereof will be omitted.

1 is a perspective view of a water purifier according to an embodiment of the present invention. And, Figure 2 is an exploded perspective view of the water purifier.

1 to 2 , the water purifier 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a housing 110 having a storage space inside and forming an outer shape of the water purifier, and inside the housing 110 . The water purifier body 100 is provided and includes a filter 120 for filtering raw water introduced from the outside, at least a part of the water purifier body 100 is formed to protrude in front of the water purifier body 100, and the water that has passed through the filter 120 is filtered out. The water purifier body 100 may include a water outlet module 200 provided with a water outlet nozzle 210 supplied to the outside, and a tray 300 provided below the water outlet nozzle 210 .

First, the outer shape of the water purifier body 100 may be formed by the housing 110 . The housing 110 includes a front cover 111 forming a front appearance, a rear cover 112 forming a rear appearance, a base 113 forming a lower surface, a top cover 114 forming an upper surface, and left and right sides. It may be composed of side panels 115 forming both sides. The front cover 111 and the rear cover 112 , the base 113 , the top cover 114 , and the pair of side panels 115 are assembled with each other to form a housing 110 that forms the exterior of the water purifier body 100 . ) can be configured.

At this time, the front and rear ends of the base 113 and the top cover 114 may be formed to be rounded, and the front cover 111 and the rear cover 112 may be formed to be rounded. 114) may be formed to be convex forward and rearward, respectively, to have a curvature corresponding to the front and rear ends.

In addition, a water outlet nozzle 210 is formed on the front surface of the water purifier body 100 . In addition, at least a portion of the water extraction nozzle 210 may be formed to protrude downward of the water extraction module 200 formed to protrude forward of the front cover 111 . Accordingly, purified water may be taken out through the water outlet nozzle 210 .

A filter bracket 130 to which a filter 120 for water purification and a valve (not shown) are mounted is provided in the housing 110 .

The filter bracket 130 includes a bottom part 131 coupled to the base 113 , a filter accommodating part 132 in which the filter 120 is accommodated, and a water outlet module mounting part in which the water outlet module 200 is mounted. (133).

In detail, the bottom portion 131 is formed to correspond to the shape of the front end of the base 113 , and is coupled to the base 113 . The mounting position of the filter bracket 130 may be fixed by the coupling of the bottom part 131 , and the shape of the bottom surface of the filter accommodating part 132 may be formed.

The filter bracket 130 may be caught and constrained to the base 113 by a hook method, and may also be fixed by a screw fastened to the lower surface of the base 113 .

The filter accommodating part 132 is formed to extend in the vertical direction, and forms a recessed space from the front (left in the drawing) to the rear (right in the drawing) so that the filter 120 can be accommodated. A plurality of filters 120 may be mounted on the filter accommodating part 130 . The filter 120 is for purification of supplied raw water (tap water), and may be configured to combine filters having various functions.

A filter socket 134 to which the filter 120 is mounted may be further provided in the filter accommodating part 130 , and a pipe through which purified water flows is provided in the filter socket 134 , The pipe may be connected to a plurality of valves (not shown). Accordingly, the raw water passes through the filter 120 in turn and then can be directed to a valve (not shown) for water supply.

A plurality of valves (not shown) may be provided on the rear surface (right side in the drawing) of the filter receiving part 132 . In addition, the valves (not shown) selectively use the water outlet nozzle 210 for purified water passing through the filter 120 , cold water cooled while passing through the cold water module 150 , and hot water heated while passing through the hot water module 160 . supplied with

The water outlet module mounting part 133 is formed at the upper end of the filter receiving part 132 . The water extraction module mounting part 133 has a structure in which the water extraction module 200 can be inserted and fixed by having a mounting groove 133a formed at the top from the top to the bottom. In this case, the water extraction module mounting part 133 may be formed to have a curvature corresponding to the curvature of the front cover 111 covering the front of the water extraction module mounting part 133 . An upper portion of the filter bracket 130 may be shielded by a top cover 114 .

A compressor 141 and a condenser 142 are provided on the upper surface of the base 113 . In addition, a cooling fan 143 is provided between the compressor 141 and the condenser 142 to enable cooling of the compressor 141 and the condenser 142 . The compressor 141 may be an inverter type compressor capable of adjusting the cooling capacity by varying the frequency. Therefore, cooling of the purified water can be efficiently performed, thereby reducing power consumption.

In addition, the condenser 142 may be located at the rear of the base 113 , and may be located at a position corresponding to the discharge port 112a formed in the rear cover 112 . The condenser 142 may be formed by bending a flat tube type refrigerant pipe a plurality of times in order to efficiently use space and improve heat exchange efficiency at the same time, and is configured to be accommodated in the condenser bracket 144 .

The condenser bracket 144 includes a condenser mounting part 145 to which the condenser 142 is fixed, and a tank mounting part 146 to which the cooling tank 151 of the cold water module 150 for making cold water can be mounted. . The condenser mounting part 145 forms a space having a shape corresponding to the overall shape of the condenser 142 to accommodate the condenser 142 . In addition, the condenser mounting part 145 is formed such that portions facing the cooling fan 143 and the discharge port 112a are opened, respectively, so that effective cooling of the condenser 142 is possible.

In addition, the tank mounting part 146 is formed above the condenser bracket 144 , that is, above the condenser mounting part 145 . The lower end of the cooling tank 151 of the cold water module 150 is inserted into the tank mounting unit 146 , and the tank mounting unit 146 fixes the cooling tank 151 .

The cooling tank 151 is for making cold water by cooling the purified water, and the cooling water for heat exchange with the incoming purified water is filled. In addition, an evaporator for cooling the cooling water is accommodated in the cooling tank 151 , and a cooling passage 152 is formed so that the purified water passing through the filter 120 can pass through the inside of the cooling tank 151 . do. Accordingly, the purified water may be cooled while circulating in the cooling tank 151 along the cooling passage 152 .

A support plate 135 extending toward the cooling tank 150 is further provided on one side of the filter bracket 130 . The support plate 135 is provided above the compressor 141 and extends from the filter bracket 130 to the condenser bracket 144 to provide a space in which the hot water module 160 and the control unit 170 are mounted. will do

The hot water module 160 may mean a heating assembly for making hot water, and the controller 1700 may mean a control assembly for controlling the overall operation of the water purifier 10. The hot water module 160 and the controller 170 ) may be combined with each other to form a single module, and may be mounted on the support plate 135 in a combined state.

The hot water module 160 is for heating purified water, and may heat purified water using various well-known methods including an induction heating (IH) method. The hot water module 160 can heat water immediately and at a high speed when hot water is taken out, and hot water of a desired temperature can be taken out according to a user's operation.

The control unit 170 is for controlling the operation of the water purifier 10, and is configured to control the compressor 141, the cooling fan 143, various valves and sensors, the hot water module 160, and the like. do. The control unit 170 may be modularized by a combination of PCBs divided into a plurality of parts for each function. In addition, in a structure in which the water purifier 10 takes out only cold water and purified water, the hot water module 160 and a PCB for controlling the same may be omitted, and at least one PCB may be omitted in this way.

Meanwhile, the purified water discharged from the filter 120 of the water purifier 10 passes through several flow paths and valves until discharged to the water outlet nozzle 210 .

3 is a perspective view of a water outlet module, which is a component of the present invention. 4 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a water purifier according to an embodiment of the present invention. And, Figure 5 is a water pipe diagram of the water purifier according to an embodiment of the present invention.

3 to 5, the water purifier of the present invention has a function of dispensing purified water and hot water. In addition, it may include a control unit 410 that receives a water extraction command from a user, and a control unit 170 that controls various valves to open or close when a water extraction command is input to the operation unit 410 .

In this embodiment, the operation unit 410 may be provided on the upper surface or the front surface of the water extraction module 200 or the water purifier body 100, and a water extraction button is provided on the front surface of the water extraction module 200 or the water purifier body 100. 420 may be provided.

As an example, the manipulation unit 410 is provided with a touch panel, and a capacity button 411 for selecting the amount of water dispensed, a hot water button 412 for selecting hot water and further selecting the temperature of the hot water to be dispensed, and purified water are selected. It may include a water purification button 413, a cold water button 414 for selecting cold water, a continuous button 415 for selecting continuous water extraction, and a washing button 416 for inputting a sterilization command and/or a washing command.

In addition, the manipulation unit 410 may be formed to be inclined downwardly from the rear to the front. Accordingly, a user located in front of the water purifier may operate the manipulation unit 410 in a state in which readability is secured.

In addition, the control unit 170 may include an inverter 172 . The inverter 172 may control the amount of heating by controlling the amount of current applied to the heating source of the hot water module 160 . That is, the output of the hot water module 160 may be adjusted by the inverter 172 .

When the heating amount is adjusted in this way, the water may be heated to a temperature desired by the user.

In addition, the control unit 170 may further include a noise filter 173 . The noise filter 173 serves to remove noise from a signal including noise generated by a magnetic field generated by a current applied to the hot water module 160 .

The noise filter 173 may control noise from control signals output from the control unit 170 and applied to various valves.

In addition, the control unit 170 may include a timer 171 for measuring the elapsed time after the hot water is dispensed.

The water purifier according to the present invention discharges hot water and purified water, and the hot water and purified water are discharged through one flow path and one valve.

In detail, the purified water passing through the filter 120 passes through the hot water flow path and the hot water module 160 , and is discharged to the water outlet nozzle 210 .

At this time, when power is supplied to the hot water module 160 and purified water is heated in the hot water module 160 , the hot water is discharged through the water outlet nozzle 210 .

In addition, when the power to the hot water module 160 is cut off, the purified water that has passed through the hot water module 160 is not heated and is discharged to the water outlet nozzle 210 in the state of purified water.

That is, in the case of the present invention, purified water is discharged through the hot water flow path without providing a separate purified water flow path.

As described above, the present invention is a hot water module that forms a heating flow path 161 through which the purified water passing through the filter 120 passes, and instantaneously heats the purified water passing through the heating flow path 161 into hot water when hot water is discharged. (160).

In addition, a hot water flow path 520 for guiding the hot water passing through the hot water module 160 to the water outlet nozzle 210 is included. The hot water module 160 may be installed on the hot water flow path 520 to heat purified water passing through the hot water flow path 520 into hot water. Both ends of the heating flow path 161 are connected to the hot water flow path 520 . The inlet heating flow path on one side may be connected to the hot water flow path on the filter side, and the outlet heating flow path on the other side may be connected with the hot water flow path on the water outlet nozzle side.

In addition, the control unit 170 controls the operation of the hot water module (160).

At this time, when purified water is dispensed, the control unit 170 turns off the heating source of the hot water module 160 , and the purified water discharged from the hot water module 160 passes through the hot water flow path 520 and the water outlet nozzle ( 210). That is, when the heating source of the hot water module 160 is turned off, when the purified water passes through the heating passage 161 of the hot water module 160, it is not heated, but is discharged in a purified state. In addition, purified water may be supplied to the water outlet nozzle 210 through the hot water flow path 520 .

In addition, when hot water is dispensed, the control unit 170 turns on the heating source of the hot water module 160, and the hot water discharged from the hot water module 160 passes through the hot water flow path 520 to the outlet nozzle ( 210) becomes. That is, when the heating source of the hot water module 160 is turned on, the purified water is heated when passing through the heating flow path 161 of the hot water module 160 and discharged in the state of hot water. Then, the hot water may be supplied to the water outlet nozzle 210 through the hot water flow path 520 .

In addition, a hot water valve 620 for controlling the flow of purified water or hot water flowing through the hot water flow path 520 is mounted in the hot water flow path 520 , and when hot water is released and purified water is dispensed, the controller 170 controls the The hot water valve 620 is opened.

In addition, the filter 120 and the hot water module 160 are connected through an outlet water passage 530, and the outlet water passage 530 has a flow rate control valve for controlling the flow rate of water flowing into the hot water module 160 ( 630) is installed.

The control unit 170 is connected to the flow control valve 630 to control the flow control valve 630 . In detail, the control unit 170 may open or block the flow rate control valve 630 . In addition, the control unit 170 may adjust the opening amount of the flow control valve (630).

In addition, a temperature sensor 640 for sensing the temperature of water flowing toward the hot water module 160 through the water outlet flow path 530 may be installed in the water outlet flow path 530 .

The temperature sensor 640 may be installed integrally with the flow rate control valve 630 .

In addition, the control unit 170 may be connected to the temperature sensor 640 to receive the temperature of the integer detected by the temperature sensor 640 . And by utilizing the received temperature information, it is possible to control the output applied to the hot water module (160).

In addition, a feed valve 650 for controlling the flow of purified water flowing through the outlet channel 530 after passing through the filter 120 may be installed in the outlet water passage 530 .

Also, the control unit 170 may be connected to the feed valve 650 to control the feed valve 650 .

A flow rate sensor 660 that detects a flow rate of purified water flowing through the water outlet flow path 530 after passing through the filter 120 may be installed in the water outlet flow path 530 .

In addition, the control unit 170 may be connected to the flow rate sensor 660 to receive flow rate information detected by the flow rate sensor 660 . And by utilizing the received flow rate information, it is possible to control the output applied to the hot water module (160).

As described above, the opening degree of the flow control valve 630 may be controlled by the control unit 170 .

Here, 'opening' may mean the degree of opening of the flow control valve 630 . For example, when the flow control valve 630 is closed, the opening degree of the flow control valve 630 can be viewed as 0, and when the flow control valve 630 is fully opened, the opening degree of the flow control valve 630 is 100 can be seen as

The control unit 170 may adjust the opening degree of the flow control valve 630 differently when hot water is dispensed and the opening degree of the flow control valve 630 when purified water is dispensed.

For example, the controller 170 may adjust the opening degree of the flow rate control valve 630 when hot water is dispensed to be smaller than the opening degree of the flow rate control valve 630 when purified water is dispensed.

When hot water is dispensed, since hot water of a desired temperature must be generated through instantaneous heating, the flow rate of purified water flowing into the hot water module 160 is controlled to decrease.

That is, when hot water is discharged, the controller 170 lowers the opening degree of the flow control valve 630 , so that the flow rate of purified water flowing into the hot water module 160 is reduced.

On the other hand, since there is no need to heat purified water when purified water is discharged, the flow rate of purified water flowing into the hot water module 160 is controlled to increase.

That is, when purified water is dispensed, the controller 170 increases the opening degree of the flow rate control valve 630 , so that the flow rate of purified water flowing into the hot water module 160 may be increased.

As described above, when the opening degree of the flow control valve 630 is increased when purified water is dispensed compared to hot water dispensed water, there is an advantage in securing the outlet flow rate when purified water is dispensed.

Meanwhile, after hot water is dispensed, the hot water module 160 is in a heated state, and the hot water flow path 520 is filled with hot water.

In this situation, when the user dispenses purified water, the hot water in the hot water flow path 520 or the hot water module 160 is discharged through the water outlet nozzle 210 before the purified water is dispensed.

Therefore, when purified water is dispensed after hot water is dispensed, it is necessary to drain the hot water before the purified water is dispensed or to lower the temperature of the water dispensed through the water outlet nozzle 210 .

For example, a drain passage may be branched from the hot water passage 520 connecting the hot water module 160 and the water outlet nozzle 210 , and a drain valve may be installed in the drain passage.

In addition, the control unit 170 may control the drain valve.

Therefore, when purified water is dispensed immediately after hot water is dispensed, the control unit 170 opens the drain valve so that the hot water in the hot water flow path 520 or the hot water module 160 goes to the outlet nozzle 210 before purified water is dispensed. The water may be drained into the drain passage without being discharged.

In this embodiment, the control unit 170 includes a timer 171, and after hot water is dispensed, after a preset reference time has elapsed, when purified water is dispensed, the control unit 170 blocks the drain valve, The hot water valve 620 may be opened.

Here, the 'reference time' may be set in various ways. For example, the 'reference time' may be set to 30 minutes.

In addition, the controller 170 controls the cold water valve and the controller 170 to open the drain valve when the purified water is dispensed after the hot water is dispensed, before a preset reference time has elapsed, and the The hot water valve 620 may be blocked. And, the hot water in the hot water flow passage 520 or the hot water module 160 is drained through the drain passage.

And, when a preset drain time has elapsed, the controller 170 may block the drain valve and open the hot water valve 620 to supply purified water to the water outlet nozzle 210 .

As another example, the controller 170 may control the temperature of the hot water discharged to the water outlet nozzle 210 to be low through the cold water.

For this, you need cold water.

In the water purifier according to one aspect of the present invention, one side is branched from the water outlet flow path 530 connecting between the filter 120 and the flow rate control valve 630 and the other side is a cold water flow path connected to the water outlet nozzle 210 side. It further includes a 540 and a cold water module 150 installed in the cold water passage 540 to cool the purified water passing through the cold water passage 540 into cold water.

For example, the cold water flow path 540 may be branched from the water outlet flow path 530 between the flow rate sensor 660 and the flow rate control valve 630 .

In addition, the cold water valve 670 may be installed in the cold water flow path 540 to control the flow of water branched from the water outlet flow path 530 and flowing to the cold water module 150 .

In addition, the control unit 170 may be connected to the cold water valve 670 to control the cold water valve 670 .

For example, when purified water is dispensed, the controller 170 may control the cold water valve 670 to be blocked and the hot water valve 620 to be opened.

As another example, when purified water is dispensed, the controller 170 may control the cold water valve 670 and the hot water valve 620 to be opened at the same time.

In this embodiment, the controller 170 includes a timer 171, and after hot water is dispensed, after a preset reference time has elapsed, when purified water is dispensed, the controller 170 controls the cold water valve 670 to block, and the hot water valve 620 may be opened.

Here, the 'reference time' may be set in various ways. For example, the 'reference time' may be set to 30 minutes.

In addition, the controller 170 may open the cold water valve and the hot water valve at the same time when the purified water is dispensed after the hot water is dispensed, before a preset reference time has elapsed.

Here, the 'reference time' may be set in various ways. For example, the 'reference time' may be set to 30 minutes.

In addition, after hot water is dispensed, before the reference time elapses, when purified water is dispensed, the control unit 170 opens the cold water valve 670 and the hot water valve 620 at the same time, and the cold water valve 670 operates the first After being opened for a period of time, it is controlled to be shut off, and the hot water valve 620 is controlled to be opened for a second time longer than the first time.

Here, the 'first time' and the 'second time' may be set in various ways. For example, the 'first time' may be set to 3 seconds.

In addition, the water discharged through the cold water flow path 540 and the hot water flow path 520 may be discharged through the water outlet nozzle 210 after they are merged.

For example, the cold water flow path 540 and the hot water flow path 520 may be joined at an end adjacent to the water outlet nozzle, so that the cold water and hot water flow through one common flow path, and then the water may be discharged through the water outlet nozzle 210 .

As another example, the cold water flow path 540 and the hot water flow path 520 are respectively connected to the water outlet nozzle 210 , and the cold water and hot water may be discharged after they merge in a chamber provided inside the water outlet nozzle 210 .

6 to 7 are flowcharts illustrating a purified water extraction process in the water purifier according to the present invention.

Hereinafter, cold water, hot water, and purified water extraction process in the water purifier according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 5 to 7 .

First, the cold water extraction process will be described.

When the user selects cold water and presses the water dispense button, the control unit recognizes this and opens the cold water valve 670 . And, the water supply valve 610 and the feed valve 650 maintain an open state.

At this time, the hot water valve 620 is blocked.

Since the water supply valve 610 is in an open state, raw water flows in through the water supply passage 510 connected to the water supply source, and after passing through the pressure reducing valve 680 , the pressure of the raw water is adjusted downward.

Thereafter, while passing through the filter 120 , the raw water is filtered with purified water and flows into the outlet water passage 530 .

After passing through the feed valve 650 and the flow sensor 660, the purified water flowing into the water outlet channel 530 flows into the cold water channel 540, and the cooling channel of the cold water valve 670 and the cold water module 150 ( 152), it is cooled and flows toward the outlet nozzle 210 in a state of cold water.

In addition, the user may receive cold water of a desired capacity through the water outlet nozzle 210 .

Next, the hot water extraction process will be described.

When the user presses the hot water button and the water dispense button, the control unit recognizes this and opens the hot water valve 620 . And, the water supply valve 610 and the feed valve 650 maintain an open state.

At this time, the cold water valve 670 is blocked. In addition, power is supplied to the heating source of the hot water module 160 .

Since the water supply valve 610 is in an open state, raw water flows in through the water supply passage 510 connected to the water supply source, and after passing through the pressure reducing valve 680 , the pressure of the raw water is adjusted downward.

Thereafter, while passing through the filter 120 , the raw water is filtered with purified water and flows into the outlet water passage 530 .

The purified water flowing into the water outlet flow path 530 passes through the feed valve 650 and the flow sensor 660 and then flows into the hot water flow path 520 . Thereafter, the purified water flowing into the hot water flow path 520 is heated while passing through the flow control valve 630 and the heating flow path 161 of the hot water module 160, and flows toward the water outlet nozzle 210 in the state of hot water. .

In addition, the user may receive hot water of a desired temperature and capacity through the water outlet nozzle 210 .

Next, the purified water extraction process according to FIG. 6 will be described.

When the user presses the water purification button and the water dispense button, the control unit recognizes this and opens the hot water valve 620 . And, the water supply valve 610 and the feed valve 650 maintain an open state.

At this time, the cold water valve 670 is blocked. In addition, power is not supplied to the heating source of the hot water module 160, and is cut off.

Since the water supply valve 610 is in an open state, raw water flows in through the water supply passage 510 connected to the water supply source, and after passing through the pressure reducing valve 680 , the pressure of the raw water is adjusted downward.

Thereafter, while passing through the filter 120 , the raw water is filtered with purified water and flows into the outlet water passage 530 .

The purified water flowing into the water outlet flow path 530 passes through the feed valve 650 and the flow sensor 660 and then flows into the hot water flow path 520 . Thereafter, the purified water flowing into the hot water flow path 520 passes through the flow control valve 630 and the heating flow path 161 of the hot water module 160, and flows toward the water outlet nozzle 210 as purified water.

In addition, the user may receive purified water of a desired capacity through the water outlet nozzle 210 .

At this time, the flow control valve 630 may be fully opened.

Next, the purified water extraction process according to FIG. 7 will be described.

When the user presses the water purification button and the water dispense button, the control unit recognizes this and opens the hot water valve 620 . And, the water supply valve 610 and the feed valve 650 maintain an open state.

At this time, the control unit 170 also opens the cold water valve 670 when the purified water is dispensed after the previous hot water dispensed, before the preset reference time elapses. That is, the hot water valve 620 and the cold water valve 670 are opened at the same time.

On the other hand, the control unit 170 shuts off the cold water valve 670 and opens only the hot water valve 620 when purified water is dispensed after a preset reference time has elapsed after the previous hot water dispensed.

In addition, power is not supplied to the heating source of the hot water module 160, and is cut off.

Since the water supply valve 610 is in an open state, raw water flows in through the water supply passage 510 connected to the water supply source, and after passing through the pressure reducing valve 680 , the pressure of the raw water is adjusted downward.

Thereafter, while passing through the filter 120 , the raw water is filtered with purified water and flows into the outlet water passage 530 .

After passing through the feed valve 650 and the flow sensor 660 , the purified water flowing into the water outlet flow path 530 flows into the hot water flow path 520 and the cold water flow path 540 , respectively. Thereafter, the purified water flowing into the hot water flow path 520 passes through the flow control valve 630 and the heating flow path 161 of the hot water module 160, and flows toward the water outlet nozzle 210 as purified water. Then, the purified water flowing into the cold water passage 540 passes through the cold water valve 670 and the cooling passage 152 of the cold water module 150, is cooled, and flows toward the water outlet nozzle 210 in the state of cold water. .

At this time, the hot water remaining in the hot water flow path 520 and the hot water module 160 is discharged through the water outlet nozzle 210 after being merged with the cold water discharged through the cold water flow path 540, and the user receives the hot water. The purified water may be supplied through the water outlet nozzle 210 .

Then, when the preset time has elapsed, the control unit 170 closes the cold water valve 670, the cold water is cut off, and only the purified water that has passed through the hot water flow path 520 and the hot water valve 630 closes the water outlet nozzle 210. is discharged through

According to this, the problem that hot water or lukewarm water is initially discharged when purified water is discharged due to residual hot water when used as a purified water channel through the hot water flow path can be solved.

Claims (17)

In the water purifier that dispenses hot water and purified water,
a housing forming a storage space;
a filter provided inside the housing to purify water supplied from an external water supply source;
a water outlet nozzle provided on the outside of the housing and through which water passing through the filter is taken out;
a hot water module that forms a heating flow path through which the purified water passing through the filter passes, and instantaneously heats the purified water passing through the heating flow path into hot water when hot water is discharged;
a hot water flow path for guiding the hot water passing through the hot water module toward the water outlet nozzle;
A control unit for controlling the operation of the hot water module,
When purified water is dispensed, the control unit turns off the hot water module, and the purified water discharged from the hot water module is discharged to the water outlet nozzle through the hot water flow path.
The method of claim 1,
A hot water valve for controlling the flow of water flowing through the hot water flow path is installed in the hot water flow path,
When hot water is released and purified water is dispensed, the control unit opens the hot water valve.
The method of claim 1,
When hot water is dispensed, the controller turns on the hot water module, and the hot water discharged from the hot water module is discharged to the water outlet nozzle through a hot water flow path.
The method of claim 1,
The filter and the hot water module are connected through an outlet flow path,
A water purifier in which a flow rate control valve for controlling the flow rate of water flowing to the hot water module is installed in the water outlet passage.
5. The method of claim 4,
The water purifier is provided with a temperature sensor for detecting the temperature of water flowing toward the hot water module through the water outlet passage.
5. The method of claim 4,
A feed valve for controlling the flow of purified water flowing through the water purifier after passing through the filter is installed in the water outlet passage.
5. The method of claim 4,
A flow rate sensor for detecting a flow rate of purified water flowing through the water purifier after passing through the filter is installed in the water outlet passage.
5. The method of claim 4,
The flow control valve has an opening degree controlled by the control unit,
When hot water is dispensed, the flow control valve is
When purified water is dispensed, the opening degree of the flow control valve is controlled differently.
9. The method of claim 8,
When hot water is discharged, the opening degree of the flow control valve is adjusted to be smaller than the opening degree of the flow control valve when purified water is discharged.
9. The method of claim 8,
When purified water is dispensed, the opening degree of the flow control valve is adjusted to the maximum.
5. The method of claim 4,
a cold water passage having one side branched from the water outlet passage between the filter and the flow control valve and the other end connected to the water outlet nozzle side;
The water purifier further comprising a cold water module installed in the cold water passage to cool the purified water passing through the cold water passage with cold water.
12. The method of claim 11,
A cold water valve is installed in the cold water passage to control the flow of water branched from the water outlet passage and flowing to the cold water module.
12. The method of claim 11,
When purified water is dispensed, the cold water valve and the hot water valve are opened at the same time.
12. The method of claim 11,
The control unit includes a timer,
After hot water is dispensed and a reference time has elapsed, when purified water is dispensed, the control unit shuts off the cold water valve and opens the hot water valve.
12. The method of claim 11,
The control unit includes a timer,
A water purifier that opens the cold water valve and the hot water valve at the same time after hot water is dispensed, before the reference time elapses, and when purified water is dispensed.
16. The method of claim 15,
After dispensing hot water, before the standard time elapses, when dispensing purified water,
The cold water valve and the hot water valve are opened at the same time,
The cold water valve is closed after being opened for the first time,
The hot water valve is opened for a second time longer than the first time.
12. The method of claim 11,
The water discharged through the cold water flow path and the hot water flow path are merged and then discharged through the water outlet nozzle.

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